Apparatus for cutting fusible material

Abstract

The upper end of an elongate electrical resistance cutting element, extending upwardly from a workpiece supporting table, is movably positionable along an arcuate position of a support member to adjustably vary the cutting angle. A fence for guiding the workpiece during straight line cutting is detachably securable to the table. Alternately, the workpiece may be engaged by a circle guide for establishing a center of rotation for the cutting of cylindrical shapes. An auxiliary cutting unit, especially adapted for free hand cutting and sculpturing, is connectable to the integral electrical energy supply means.

Having fully described and disclosed the present invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for cutting and shaping a fusible material workpiece, said apparatus comprising: a. a base including a table having a top surface for supporting said workpiece;   b. a support member extending from said base and having a downwardly arcuate terminal section residing at an elevated position above the top surface of said table;   c. an elongate electrical resistance cutting element having i. a lower end secured to said base, and   ii. an upper end directed toward the terminal section of said support member;     d. attachment means carrying the upper end of said cutting element and adjustably positionable along the terminal portion of said support member; and   e. electrical supply means for providing electrical energy to said cutting element.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said attachment means includes a clamp manipulatable between a lock position in which said attachment means is engaged with the terminal portion of said support member, and   a release position in which said attachment means is movable along the terminal portion of said support member.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said clamp is normally biased into said lock position. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said clamp is moved from said lock position to said release position in response to the application of a compressive force. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said attachment means is detachably carried by said support member. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for detachably securing the upper end of said cutting element to said attachment means. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for detachably securing the upper end of said cutting element to said attachment means includes: a. a loop formed in the upper end of said cutting element; and   b. a hook carried by said attachment means for receiving said loop.   
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the terminal portion of said support member lies along an arc of a circle having the center substantially coincident with the point of securement of the lower end of said cutting element to said base. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including engagement means for detachably securing the lower end of said cutting element to said base. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said engagement means includes: a. an enlargement carried proximate the lower end of said cutting element;   b. an opening extending through said table and having i. a first section sized and shaped to receive said enlargement therethrough, and   ii. a second section extending from said first section and having a width of a size to receive said cutting element but smaller than said enlargement.     
     
     
       11. The apparatus of claim 10, further including detent means for retaining said cutting element in the second section of said opening. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a. a work guiding fence carried upon the top surface of said table; and   b. adjustment means having upstanding locking elements for securing said fence to said table at infinitely variable distances from said cutting element.   
     
     
       13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said fence is removable from said table in response to extended movement in a direction away from said cutting element toward said support member.